ACE Communications Evaluation Certification - 2025

Purpose

The ACE Communications Evaluation Certification is designed to equip communication professionals in agriculture, natural resources, and life sciences with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively develop and implement communications measurement plans. This certification program will provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the communications evaluation process, the role of analytics and measurement in data-driven decision-making, and hands-on experience in creating actionable evaluation plans for their organizations.

Target Audience

This certification is intended for professionals in communication roles within the agriculture, natural resources, and life sciences sectors who are responsible for measuring the impact of communication strategies and programs with analytics. It is ideal for those looking to improve their skills in program measurement and analytics to enhance their organization's effectiveness and accountability.

Learning Objectives

1. Understand the components of an evaluation plan and why it is essential for measuring success and informing future strategies.

2. Learn how to leverage analytics to track and measure communication performance data.

3. Gain practical experience in developing a comprehensive evaluation plan tailored to your organization’s communication goals.

4. Build confidence in using data-driven insights to improve communication programs and demonstrate their impact to stakeholders.

5. Connect with peers and experts to share best practices and enhance your evaluation skills through hands-on learning.

Session Details

Session 1: Measuring and Reporting Your Communication Successes

Date/Time: Tuesday, March 18, 2025 – 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM ET
Format: Virtual
Presenters:

Chris Vivian, Associate Vice President, UF/IFAS Communications

Laura Fischer, Assistant Professor, Agricultural Education and Communications, Texas Tech

Session 2: Administrator Panel – Why It Matters

Date/Time: Tuesday, April 22, 2025 – 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM ET
Format: Virtual
Presenters:

Leslie Edgar 

Associate Dean for Research & Director of the Agricultural Research Center

College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences

Washington State University

Albert Essel

Executive Administrator

Association of Extension Administrators

Bill Hoffman

Executive Director, Cooperative Extension System & Extension Committee on Organization and Policy

APLU 

Dan Moser

Associate Dean, Academic Programs

College of Agriculture

Kansas State University

 

Shelly Nickols-Richardson

Associate Dean and Director of Extension

University of Illinois Extension

Richard C. Rhodes III

Executive Director 

agInnovation Northeast (formerly NERA)

Alton Thompson

Executive Director

Facilitator: Jennifer Alexander, Communications and Marketing Director, Oregon State University Division of Extension and Engagement

Session 3: Marketing and Communications Analytics

Date/Time: Tuesday, May 20, 2025 - 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM ET
Format: Virtual
Presenter:

Jon Emigh, Director of Marketing and Digital Education, Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences

Sarah Pauley, Digital Marketing and Analytics Manager, Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences

This session will provide a comprehensive guide to establishing and measuring KPIs for digital, email, social and traditional media communication. Attendees will learn how to effectively utilize tools like Google Analytics to track performance, interpret data, and optimize strategies for greater impact.

Session 4: Plan Your Work and Work Your Plan

Date/Time: Thursday, June 19, 2025 – 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM (in-person)
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Presenters:

Jennifer Alexander, Communications and Marketing Director, Oregon State University Division of Extension and Engagement

Jason Ellis, Department Head and Professor, Communications and Agricultural Education, Kansas State University

Focus: A work session to create or update and receive peer feedback on your communication evaluation and reporting plan.

Costs

• Full Certification Program:

  • $200 (Professional)
  • $100 (Student)

• Each Virtual Session (March 18, April 22, May 20) cost:

  • $50 (Professional)
  • $25 (Student)

• Post-Conference Workshop Only (June 19):

  • $100 (Professional)
  • $50 (Student)

Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your communication evaluation skills.

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